Dairy Event 2010: Forage maize variety could be crucial
Dairy farmers could be losing more than £1500/ha by choosing the wrong forage maize variety, warns a leading plant breeder.
It’s important to ask yourself how the forage maize will be used and then choose the variety that fits, advised Nigel Padbury, forage maize technical manager for Syngenta Seeds.
“When a herd is relying on maize to deliver a high proportion of its forage needs choose varieties with high volumes of digestible dry matter or metabolisable energy (ME). If grass forms the greater proportion, then grow varieties with a high starch content and good yield.”
And on this year’s 2011 NIAB TAG Descriptive List there’s a big difference between varieties in what they can do. “For this year, NK Baleric has the highest ME yield making it a top choice for beef farmers, high maize ration dairy herds and biogas producers.
NK Cheer is also a new addition to the list from Syngenta Seeds, offering excellent early vigour as well as being early maturing, making it ideal for growers in marginal areas or those looking for an early harvest.
For more information call 01223 883520 or email nigel.padbury@syngenta.com